Bay leafEucalyptusHerbalWoody
Bay leaf Eucalyptus Herbal Woody
Bay leaves flavor compounds reside deep within the tough skin of the leaves. To release their herbal eucalyptus flavors in water takes some time and a bay leaf is usually added whole at the start of cooking. The taste can be released faster by frying the leaves in oil or by grinding the leaves into a powder.
The leaves from several different trees that are called bay leaves, but the true bay leaf comes from the Mediterranean Laurel tree (Laurus nobilis). The bay leaf was already utilized by the ancient Greeks and Romans, culinary to flavour stews and sauces and medicinally to treat rheumatism, indigestion, migraines and as a general tonic. The leaves were also carried on the body as a garland or pouch to protect from evil spirit and increase the psychic powers.
Bay leaves have been added to food not just for their flavour, but also to promote a healthy digestion. The leaves are loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C and E, minerals, dietary fibre, and many beneficial fyto-nutrients.
Another important benefit of bay leaf is that they can reduce inflammation throughout the body. Chronically elevated inflammation levels are considered a risk factor for many diseases. The leaves can also be used directly onto the skin, to relieve painful joints or irritation of the skin.
There is a study that showed that the daily addition of a bay leaf for 30 days decreased risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The daily bay leaf reduced the blood sugar levels of people with type 2 diabetes and had a positive effect on their cholesterol levels. This study shows that even in the small amounts that we use spices, they can still have a powerful effect on our health.
There are several varieties of bay leaf used for consumption around the world. One example is the Indian bay leaf, which comes from a different tree in the Laurel family. The leaves are twice as big and have three veins running lengthwise. The flavour of the Indian bay leaf is much milder and reminiscent of cinnamon.
Some health benefits of bay leaf summed up:
- Bay leaf is a powerful antioxidant.
- Bay leaf is anti-inflammatory.
- Bay leaf is antibacterial.
- Bay leaf is antiviral.
- Bay leaf stimulates the immune system.
- Bay leaf can lower elevated blood sugar levels.
- Bay leaf can lower your cholesterol levels across the board.
Bay leaf.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7152419/
Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Laurus nobilis L. Essential oils from Bulgaria.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412751/
Bay leaves improve glucose and lipid profile of people with type 2 diabetes.
